Entertainment
James Corden despairs over lack of opportunities for working class people: ‘You’re capped in a way’-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro
‘The talent is everywhere, and opportunity isn’t.’
James Corden says working class people are essentially ‘capped’ at what they ca achieve (Picture: Getty Images)
James Corden has despaired over the lack of opportunities for working class people in Britain trying to make it in the entertainment industry.
The actor, who rose to prominence in sitcom Gavin and Stacey before exploding in popularity and clinching a talk show in the United States, says there is plenty of talent in working class Britain but not enough chances to prove themselves.
James, whose father is a musician and mother a social worker, grew up in London with his sisters, each of them attending state schools.
Now hugely successful, James spoke to BBC Radio 4’s This Cultural Life for an upcoming episode where he says people from working class environments are ‘not bred for success’ and have to work harder to break through in the entertainment industry.
‘The talent is everywhere, and opportunity isn’t,’ he said.
‘You’re capped in a way. I didn’t realise until I met my wife that she did I think thirteen GCSEs and I did six.
James got his first acting role aged 18 and previously says he got ‘s***’ for his working class background (Picture: WireImage)
‘And the most you could do at my school was seven. You’re kind of capped.’
He added: ‘You’re not really told that these things are possible.’
James went on to say that over the years he has learned that people from a working class background have to ‘bully your way’ into opportunities.
‘You’re going to have to get people to budge up to sit at the table if that’s what you want to do. It isn’t going to just be presented to you.’
The London native is now a massive star… (Picture: Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
…having recently interviewed the Kardashians on his US talk show (Picture: CBS Photo Archive)
James has previously spoken about his working class roots and how it affected his early career, including in a 2016 interview with GQ just as he was starting to make it big in the United States.
He said he believes acting was becoming an ‘elitist sport’ in Britain, and actors from upper and middle classes are ‘never long to encounter the sort of s*** like I’ve had.’
The actor and presenter is preparing to return to Britain as he leaves his role as the host of The Late Late Show in the US, however the star has a few tricks left up his sleeve before his time is done.
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This week, JC teamed up with none other than Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner and Kylie Jenner to create a parody sketch based on the Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon.
This Cultural Life airs at 19:15 on Saturday September 24 on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
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MORE : Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner parody House of the Dragon in hilarious James Corden sketch
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